These are the assignments to be completed by 8th grade students during the fourth (and last week of third) quarter of the 2012-2013 school year. When updating their ePortfolio sites, students need to make sure that their writing is interesting to read and appropriate for their grade level. All grammar and spelling should be correct and should be at least a paragraph in length, unless told otherwise. Many of these assignments could be completed at home, if needed. Student will need Internet access and may need access to the programs listed below in order to complete the assignments.
In order to transfer completed work between home and school, the student would need access to the Internet and would need to log in to Edmodo and upload files to their library. Files uploaded to the student's library could then be downloaded to their computer at school and turned in for grading.
Assignment Description
Resources Needed
Super Power
Students choose how they wish to learn to code: HTML/CSS/Javascript OR Scratch. Student will then complete tutorials on the Super Power page to learn what they need to know to create either a website (if learning HTML/CSS/Javascript) or a Scratch Game (or other interactive Scratch Project).
Day 1 - 3/22: (Q3)
Student will explore the HTML and Scratch options and choose which they wish to learn.
Student will create a Quarter 4 post for Super Power on their Google Site which includes:
An introduction to the Super Power assignment including:
Information about the introductory videos that were watched
Links to the web sites they will be using to learn either HTML or Scratch
Explanation about why they chose what they did, what they hope to learn from it, and what they think might make it difficult to learn
Student will turn in this initial paragraph by sending Mrs. Sedgwick a message on Edmodo including the link to the post on their Google Site.
Student will begin to use the tutorials to learn about the coding option they chose.
Day 2 - 4/9: (Q3)
Student will continue to use the tutorials to learn about the coding option they chose.
Student will select the topic for their website or Scratch Game.
Student may begin to build their website or create their game (interactive) in Scratch.
If creating a website, students should include at least three pages, at least one image, hyperlinks to other pages and/or other websites, CSS to style their pages, and content about some subject of their choosing.
If creating a game in Scratch, the game must have a way to win and a way to lose and preferably have a way to keep score.
Day 3 - 4/12:
Student will add a paragraph to their Google Site which includes:
What subject they will be making their website about, if doing the HTML option OR what type of game (or interactive) they hope to make in Scratch.
What they have learned so far. This could include terminology they've learned or things they've learned to do. If they are earning badges or medals, they can include any badges or medals earned.
What they have had trouble understanding or implementing so far.
How they have overcome any problems they have had.
Any successes they have had.
Teasers about their game (interactive) if they are doing the Scratch option.
Embedded HTML using the <HTML> option on their Google Site, if they wish to show some of the HTML skills they have learned.
Student will continue to use the tutorials to learn about their chosen option.
Student may begin (or continue) to build their website or create their game (interactive) in Scratch.
Day 4 - 4/16:
Student will add a paragraph to their Google Site reflecting on Day 3 which includes:
What they learned on Day 3 (including any badges or medals earned).
What they had trouble understanding or implementing on Day 3 and how they overcame their problems.
Any successes they had on Day 3.
Additional teasers about their game (interactive) if they are doing the Scratch option OR some embedded HTML to show off some of the HTML skills they have learned.
Student will continue to use the tutorials to learn about their chosen option.
Student may begin to build their website or create their game (interactive) in Scratch if they have not, or should continue with this if they have already begun.
Day 5 - 4/23:
Student will add a paragraph to their Google Site reflecting on Day 4 which includes:
What they learned on Day 4 (including any badges or medals earned).
What they had trouble understanding or implementing on Day 4 and how they overcame their problems.
Any successes they had on Day 4.
Additional teasers about their game (interactive) if they are doing the Scratch option OR some embedded HTML to show off some of the HTML skills they have learned.
Student will continue to use the tutorials to learn about their chosen option, if needed.
Student must begin to build their own website or create their own game (interactive) in Scratch, if they have not done this, or should continue with this if they have already begun.
Day 6 - 4/26:
Student will continue to work on their website or game (interactive) in Scratch.
Student will continue to use the tutorials to learn about their chosen option, if needed.
Day 7 - 4/30:
Student will add a paragraph to their Google Site reflecting on Days 5 & 6 which includes:
What they learned on Days 5&6 (including any badges or medals earned).
What they had trouble understanding or implementing on Days 5&6 and how they overcame their problems.
Any successes they had on Days 5&6.
Additional teasers about their game (interactive) if they are doing the Scratch option OR some embedded HTML to show off some of the HTML skills they have learned.
Student will continue to use the tutorials to learn about their chosen option, if needed.
Student MUST BE working on their own website or creating their own game (interactive) in Scratch, at this point.
Day 8 - 5/3:
Student will complete work on their website or game and will:
If student completed a website, student will upload their website to their Google Drive using the tutorial on the Super Power page.
If student completed a Scratch game (or interactive), student will upload their game to the Scratch website.
If student did not complete a website or game, they will create a Google Slides Presentation about their journey.
Student will add a final paragraph to their Google Site reflecting on their entire Super Power journey:
What did they like about learning this way and why? Be specific!
What didn't they like and why? Be specific. If I could take what you post and paste it on any of your other posts, it's not specific!
Did anything surprise them along the way? Talk about it.
What do they think about their new super power now that they've had a chance to use it?
What do they think they did well? What do they think they could improve upon?
A link to their website or game (interactive) or their Google Presentation should also be included in the final post.
Student will turn in their assignment as directed below.
Day 9 - 5/7
Student will present their website or game (or a presentation about their journey if these aren't complete) to the class.
How to Turn In: Student will turn in the link to their Google Site post on Edmodo.
Can this be completed at home? It would be difficult to complete this assignment at home since the Scratch project or website files will be on the student's computer at school. Students could work through the tutorials/lessons at home and try things out on Scratch by downloading it to their own computer at home.
As students move on to high school they may find that they feel overwhelmed, anxious and lonely along with being excited and happy about the transition. Your end of year project is going to focus on the positives and the things that have made your experience here at St. Martin's special. You will be creating a chapter in an 8th Grade video. A "teaser" of this video will be shown at the Graduation Breakfast and each 8th Grader and your teachers will all get a copy of the complete video. You will be using Google Docs for script writing, Audacity (or a webcam or video camera) for recording of your script, and Windows Movie Maker for putting your images and script recording together for your chapter of the movie.
Script Writing:
Watch or listen to "This I Believe" by Macklin Levine & Josh Rittenberg to get a feel for the type of script you will be writing. NOTE: The audio may not work on these but you can read the text even if the audio does not work.
Write your "This I Believe" about St. Martin's script in MLA Format(First Name only) in Google Drive. The script should be in your current year folder (NOT your public folder) and should be shared with Mrs. Sedgwick. (Hint: Use File / Page Setup to set margins & there's a Line Spacing icon on the toolbar where you can set to double spaced). Things to keep in mind:
This should be from 2-5 minutes long in total and remember people speak about 150 wpm.
This isn't about specific memories but about how your time at St. Martin's has helped influence you as a student and as a person. Yes, you can and should include a specific story (or stories) but this should not just be a list of favorite memories by grade.
If you're having trouble with what to say, think about things like:
What are the things you'll miss about St. Martin's next year?
Who is your favorite teacher & why?
Who are you and how has St. Martin's helped you to become this person?
What obstacles have you overcome during your years at St. Martin's?
Which teachers or staff members influenced you the most?
What is the best piece of advice that a St. Martin's teacher or staff member has ever given you?
What are the things, the people, the events, etc. from your years at St. Martin's that will help insure that your high school years and beyond will be successful?
If you haven't been at St. Martin's long, think about what you expected St. Martin's to be like and what it's really been like.
What are you apprehensive about going in to high school? How will what you have learned at St. Martin's help you?
Think about the picture (or pictures) you might want to include or if you will want to record using a video camera or web camera.
This can be in the form of an essay or poem or even a rap
Be positive!
Create your teaser script from your full script. It can be just pulled sentences from your actual script or an entire rewrite. This should be approximately 1/4-1/3 the length of your original script (75-100 words).
Script Recording:
Before you decide that it is time to record, read your script over a few times and say it to yourself to make sure it flows. Your script shouldn't sound stiff or stilted; it should be as if you were talking to a friend about these things. You also want to make sure that you are familiar with your script before you record.
Print out your script on Computer #2. This is a B&W printer which should be fine for your scripts. You will want a printed copy of your script for recording.
Make a decision here!
Will you be creating a slideshow with pictures and an audio recording of your script?
Would you rather just record yourself reciting your script? If so, ask me about using a Webcam for this. You will not be using pictures or the collage or making an audio recording of your script if you choose this option. When your recording is done, you will continue with the Movie Maker instructions.
If you will NOT be using a webcam to record your script, you will be using the program, Audacity, which is installed on your desktop. It is possible to record narration right into your Movie Maker project, but Audacity gives you more control over your recording so this is what you should use. If you do not want to record while others are in the room, please arrange with me to come in before or after school or during Nutrition break to do your recording.
Record your script keeping in mind the recommendations in the tutorials.
If nothing is recording, make sure that it shows your microphone in the microphone area on the toolbar. If you have one of the Blue Snowflake mics, it should say Blue Snowflake next to the microphone icon.
If you are trying to delete something that was previously recorded and it's not working, make sure that you actually stopped recording and didn't just press the Pause button.
Don't rush and make sure you use expression in your voice when recording. Make sure to breathe and pause between sentences in your script.
Once you are satisfied with your recording, you will need to save it. You should name it 8th-Your Name-EOY
First, just select File / Save As and save the Audacity file in the default folder where it wants to save. This will be My Music or My Audacity Files. Do not save this in your folder!
Then, select File / Export and change the Save As Type to MP3 and save your recording as an MP3 in your folder. This will prompt you to enter information about your MP3 file, you can just skip this step since you will be importing the MP3 into your Movie.
You may also need to repeat step #3 for your "Teaser Script" also. This one should be saved at 8th-Your Name-EOYTeaser Another option for your teaser is to just edit your Audacity file and save it under the new name for your teaser.
Audacity is a free program. If you want to use it at home, check out this tutorial which shows you how to download & install Audacity.
Pictures: You may use one photo or multiple photos for your end of year project. A photo collage is required if you use only one photo but may be created from multiple photos. You may use photos from:
Private Box.Com Set. This has been shared on Edmodo. Save photos to your folder. Do not post these photos on other sites!
Photos from home. Upload these to your Edmodo backpack and then download them to your folder at school OR bring in actual photos to be scanned for your project OR email photos to me at vsedgwick@stmartinsschool.org
You may edit/alter your photos using the following web sites but make sure that all people in the photo are still recognizable and do not add anything that makes fun of anyone or will detract from your project.
A title slide will be required in your movie chapter. One way of doing this is using Wordle or Tagxedo or a slide in PowerPoint that you export as an image to create a Word Cloud about yourself. A few notes about Wordle:
The more times a word repeats, the bigger it is in the word cloud.
You need to do a screen capture to save this and the best way is to open it in a new window that you maximize.
Collage: This is required if you only use one photo but you can create one if you are using multiple photos. It could be fun to use a multi-photo collage as your title slide and then add a transition to shatter it and go through the individual photos as your recording is played.
Create a collage in Microsoft PowerPoint that represents YOU! Start with a blank PowerPoint slide and use the drawing tools to add elements to your slide. Use Format / Background to add some color to the background of your slide. Remember, your altered picture should be the primary focus of the slide. Your collage can contain your full name since it will not be shared online. If you want some pictures of the St. Martin's campus, you can find some in this Flickr Set and you can also add the St. Martin's Class of 2013 Logo if you would like.
When you have finished your collage, save it as a PowerPoint presentation (in case you need to do any editing) as 8th-YourName-EOY in your folder AND save it as a JPEG (to be used in your actual project) in your folder.
Movie Maker: Before you start to create your actual end of year "chapter" or trailer, you should watch the Movie Maker tutorials (in the right sidebar) that I created to give you some tips and spend some time playing in the Movie Maker program so you are familiar with it. Some things you need to keep in mind:
Create a new collection for your imported media and do not delete anything that it is already there!
When you save your Movie Maker file & video, put them in your folder & make sure that all your images and audio/video recordings are also in your folder.
Your video must include:
A title slide with your name. This could be a Word Cloud you created in Tagxedo (export as a fairly large PNG) or Wordle or using PowerPoint or a title slide created in Movie Maker.
Your picture(s) & your recording of your script OR a recording of yourself reciting your script (a "talking head" kind of thing).
Once you are done with your actual chapter, you must also make a movie trailer for your chapter. This should be 30-45 seconds long using a portion of your script and pictures. You want it to highlight your full video positively and to be something that the teachers will appreciate at the Graduation Breakfast; this should not be about your friends!
Music: (Optional) Are you done with your movie chapter and your "teaser"? Okay, now you can get some music to use as a backing track on your chapter and teaser OR you can create some music to use as an intro/outro or backing track for your chapter and teaser.
To download a song to use as your backing track:
Open the Google Form to be filled out for the music you download.
Download the song using the download button and save in your folder.
Fill out the Google Form for the movie credits- Artist Name should be Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) & the song name should be the name of the song.
Add the song to your recorded script(s) and export them again as MP3s with a new name. Watch the Audacity tutorial on how to add music - the link is in the right sidebar. Make sure that you can still clearly hear what you are saying.
Edit your Movie Maker projects and replace your audio with your new audio with the backing track.
To create your own music:
Head over to Soundation OR AudioSauna and create some music. Use File / Export as .wav to save your creation from Soundation and File / Export as Audio File from AudioSauna.
You can watch this tutorial for some hints on using Soundation - this is a tutorial created by another teacher so it will have things specific to their class; you should just ignore that.
If you want this as a complete backing track, you should record and download multiple sections and then add the all to your recorded script or just add this to the beginning and/or end of your recorded script to use as intro and/or outro music.
Add the song to your recorded script(s) and export them again as MP3s with a new name. Watch the Audacity tutorial on how to add music - the link is in the right sidebar. Make sure that you can still clearly hear what you are saying.
Edit your Movie Maker projects and replace your audio with your new audio with the backing track.
Exporting Your Movie: When you have completed your movie chapter and your teaser, you will need to:
Make sure both files are saved.
Open each file and go to File / Save Movie File. After each file processes, finish and watch your final movie to make sure it's all correct.
Save these in your folder and name your files
Movie Location: My Computer
File Name for Saved Movie: 8th-FirstName-Movie and 8th-FirstName-Teaser
Place to Save Your Movie: In Your Folder
Movie Setting: Best Quality for playback on my computer
Send me a message on Edmodo that you have finished your movie chapter and your teaser and tell me the file names you saved them under. This is in case you end up not naming them as directed.
Table of Contents
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Paint
- Paint.NET - a free graphics program for Windows
In order to transfer completed work between home and school, the student would need access to the Internet and would need to log in to Edmodo and upload files to their library. Files uploaded to the student's library could then be downloaded to their computer at school and turned in for grading.Super Power
Students choose how they wish to learn to code: HTML/CSS/Javascript OR Scratch. Student will then complete tutorials on the Super Power page to learn what they need to know to create either a website (if learning HTML/CSS/Javascript) or a Scratch Game (or other interactive Scratch Project).Day 1 - 3/22: (Q3)
- Student will explore the HTML and Scratch options and choose which they wish to learn.
- Student will create a Quarter 4 post for Super Power on their Google Site which includes:
- An introduction to the Super Power assignment including:
- Information about the introductory videos that were watched
- Links to the web sites they will be using to learn either HTML or Scratch
- Explanation about why they chose what they did, what they hope to learn from it, and what they think might make it difficult to learn
- Student will turn in this initial paragraph by sending Mrs. Sedgwick a message on Edmodo including the link to the post on their Google Site.
- Student will begin to use the tutorials to learn about the coding option they chose.
Day 2 - 4/9: (Q3)- Student will continue to use the tutorials to learn about the coding option they chose.
- Student will select the topic for their website or Scratch Game.
- Student may begin to build their website or create their game (interactive) in Scratch.
- If creating a website, students should include at least three pages, at least one image, hyperlinks to other pages and/or other websites, CSS to style their pages, and content about some subject of their choosing.
- If creating a game in Scratch, the game must have a way to win and a way to lose and preferably have a way to keep score.
Day 3 - 4/12:- Student will add a paragraph to their Google Site which includes:
- What subject they will be making their website about, if doing the HTML option OR what type of game (or interactive) they hope to make in Scratch.
- What they have learned so far. This could include terminology they've learned or things they've learned to do. If they are earning badges or medals, they can include any badges or medals earned.
- What they have had trouble understanding or implementing so far.
- How they have overcome any problems they have had.
- Any successes they have had.
- Teasers about their game (interactive) if they are doing the Scratch option.
- Embedded HTML using the <HTML> option on their Google Site, if they wish to show some of the HTML skills they have learned.
- Student will continue to use the tutorials to learn about their chosen option.
- Student may begin (or continue) to build their website or create their game (interactive) in Scratch.
Day 4 - 4/16:- Student will add a paragraph to their Google Site reflecting on Day 3 which includes:
- Student may begin to build their website or create their game (interactive) in Scratch if they have not, or should continue with this if they have already begun.
Day 5 - 4/23:- What they learned on Day 3 (including any badges or medals earned).
- What they had trouble understanding or implementing on Day 3 and how they overcame their problems.
- Any successes they had on Day 3.
- Additional teasers about their game (interactive) if they are doing the Scratch option OR some embedded HTML to show off some of the HTML skills they have learned.
Student will continue to use the tutorials to learn about their chosen option.- Student will add a paragraph to their Google Site reflecting on Day 4 which includes:
- What they learned on Day 4 (including any badges or medals earned).
- What they had trouble understanding or implementing on Day 4 and how they overcame their problems.
- Any successes they had on Day 4.
- Additional teasers about their game (interactive) if they are doing the Scratch option OR some embedded HTML to show off some of the HTML skills they have learned.
- Student will continue to use the tutorials to learn about their chosen option, if needed.
- Student must begin to build their own website or create their own game (interactive) in Scratch, if they have not done this, or should continue with this if they have already begun.
Day 6 - 4/26:- Student will continue to work on their website or game (interactive) in Scratch.
- Student will continue to use the tutorials to learn about their chosen option, if needed.
Day 7 - 4/30:- Student will add a paragraph to their Google Site reflecting on Days 5 & 6 which includes:
- What they learned on Days 5&6 (including any badges or medals earned).
- What they had trouble understanding or implementing on Days 5&6 and how they overcame their problems.
- Any successes they had on Days 5&6.
- Additional teasers about their game (interactive) if they are doing the Scratch option OR some embedded HTML to show off some of the HTML skills they have learned.
- Student will continue to use the tutorials to learn about their chosen option, if needed.
- Student MUST BE working on their own website or creating their own game (interactive) in Scratch, at this point.
Day 8 - 5/3:- Student will complete work on their website or game and will:
- If student completed a website, student will upload their website to their Google Drive using the tutorial on the Super Power page.
- If student completed a Scratch game (or interactive), student will upload their game to the Scratch website.
- If student did not complete a website or game, they will create a Google Slides Presentation about their journey.
- Student will add a final paragraph to their Google Site reflecting on their entire Super Power journey:
- What did they like about learning this way and why? Be specific!
- What didn't they like and why? Be specific. If I could take what you post and paste it on any of your other posts, it's not specific!
- Did anything surprise them along the way? Talk about it.
- What do they think about their new super power now that they've had a chance to use it?
- What do they think they did well? What do they think they could improve upon?
- A link to their website or game (interactive) or their Google Presentation should also be included in the final post.
- Student will turn in their assignment as directed below.
Day 9 - 5/7How to Turn In: Student will turn in the link to their Google Site post on Edmodo.
Can this be completed at home?
It would be difficult to complete this assignment at home since the Scratch project or website files will be on the student's computer at school. Students could work through the tutorials/lessons at home and try things out on Scratch by downloading it to their own computer at home.
Other resources are on the Super Power page.
End of Year Project
As students move on to high school they may find that they feel overwhelmed, anxious and lonely along with being excited and happy about the transition. Your end of year project is going to focus on the positives and the things that have made your experience here at St. Martin's special. You will be creating a chapter in an 8th Grade video. A "teaser" of this video will be shown at the Graduation Breakfast and each 8th Grader and your teachers will all get a copy of the complete video. You will be using Google Docs for script writing, Audacity (or a webcam or video camera) for recording of your script, and Windows Movie Maker for putting your images and script recording together for your chapter of the movie.Script Writing:
Script Recording:
If you will NOT be using a webcam to record your script, you will be using the program, Audacity, which is installed on your desktop. It is possible to record narration right into your Movie Maker project, but Audacity gives you more control over your recording so this is what you should use. If you do not want to record while others are in the room, please arrange with me to come in before or after school or during Nutrition break to do your recording.
- Read the Making a Test Recording & the Recording and Editing tutorials and/or watch the video tutorials (in the right sidebar) on how to use Audacity.
- Record your script keeping in mind the recommendations in the tutorials.
- If nothing is recording, make sure that it shows your microphone in the microphone area on the toolbar. If you have one of the Blue Snowflake mics, it should say Blue Snowflake next to the microphone icon.
- If you are trying to delete something that was previously recorded and it's not working, make sure that you actually stopped recording and didn't just press the Pause button.
- Don't rush and make sure you use expression in your voice when recording. Make sure to breathe and pause between sentences in your script.
- Once you are satisfied with your recording, you will need to save it. You should name it 8th-Your Name-EOY
- First, just select File / Save As and save the Audacity file in the default folder where it wants to save. This will be My Music or My Audacity Files. Do not save this in your folder!
- Then, select File / Export and change the Save As Type to MP3 and save your recording as an MP3 in your folder. This will prompt you to enter information about your MP3 file, you can just skip this step since you will be importing the MP3 into your Movie.
- You may also need to repeat step #3 for your "Teaser Script" also. This one should be saved at 8th-Your Name-EOYTeaser Another option for your teaser is to just edit your Audacity file and save it under the new name for your teaser.
Audacity is a free program. If you want to use it at home, check out this tutorial which shows you how to download & install Audacity.Pictures:
You may use one photo or multiple photos for your end of year project. A photo collage is required if you use only one photo but may be created from multiple photos. You may use photos from:
You may edit/alter your photos using the following web sites but make sure that all people in the photo are still recognizable and do not add anything that makes fun of anyone or will detract from your project.
A title slide will be required in your movie chapter. One way of doing this is using Wordle or Tagxedo or a slide in PowerPoint that you export as an image to create a Word Cloud about yourself. A few notes about Wordle:
Collage:
This is required if you only use one photo but you can create one if you are using multiple photos. It could be fun to use a multi-photo collage as your title slide and then add a transition to shatter it and go through the individual photos as your recording is played.
Create a collage in Microsoft PowerPoint that represents YOU! Start with a blank PowerPoint slide and use the drawing tools to add elements to your slide. Use Format / Background to add some color to the background of your slide. Remember, your altered picture should be the primary focus of the slide. Your collage can contain your full name since it will not be shared online. If you want some pictures of the St. Martin's campus, you can find some in this Flickr Set and you can also add the St. Martin's Class of 2013 Logo if you would like.
Movie Maker:
Before you start to create your actual end of year "chapter" or trailer, you should watch the Movie Maker tutorials (in the right sidebar) that I created to give you some tips and spend some time playing in the Movie Maker program so you are familiar with it. Some things you need to keep in mind:
Your video must include:
Once you are done with your actual chapter, you must also make a movie trailer for your chapter. This should be 30-45 seconds long using a portion of your script and pictures. You want it to highlight your full video positively and to be something that the teachers will appreciate at the Graduation Breakfast; this should not be about your friends!
Music: (Optional)
Are you done with your movie chapter and your "teaser"? Okay, now you can get some music to use as a backing track on your chapter and teaser OR you can create some music to use as an intro/outro or backing track for your chapter and teaser.
To download a song to use as your backing track:
- Open the Google Form to be filled out for the music you download.
- Head over to Incompetech
- Download the song using the download button and save in your folder.
- Fill out the Google Form for the movie credits- Artist Name should be Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) & the song name should be the name of the song.
- Add the song to your recorded script(s) and export them again as MP3s with a new name. Watch the Audacity tutorial on how to add music - the link is in the right sidebar. Make sure that you can still clearly hear what you are saying.
- Edit your Movie Maker projects and replace your audio with your new audio with the backing track.
To create your own music:You can watch this tutorial for some hints on using Soundation - this is a tutorial created by another teacher so it will have things specific to their class; you should just ignore that.
Exporting Your Movie:
When you have completed your movie chapter and your teaser, you will need to:
Audacity:
Movie Maker: